These Colorized Photos Show The Past In A Different Perspective

It’s sometimes hard to remember that the world was just as colorful hundreds of years ago as it is now. The reason we might forget is that photos from the past tend to be in black and white or sepia tone. Thankfully, modern-day digital trickery can now stop that from being an issue.

There are some very talented people out there who have mastered the art of bringing color to old photos, so they don’t look as old as they are. Seeing these famous photos from the past in color provides a fresh perspective that everyone deserves to see.

Marilyn Monroe’s most honest photo seems even more genuine in color

There are few women in history more iconic than Marilyn Monroe. Her likeness is forever embedded in pop culture, as is her tragic story. Behind all of Marilyn’s glamor and playfulness, there was a troubled woman facing heartbreak and hardship. That’s never been clearer than in the first of these colored photos from the past.

Considered the most honest picture of Monroe ever taken, it shows a glimpse of the woman behind the Hollywood superstar. Seeing it in color only adds to the authenticity of the person captured in the picture. There are probably so many women who can now relate to this version of Marilyn even better than they could before.

David Bowie’s old mugshot shows the downsides of his wild side

David Bowie was a legendary artist taken from this world too soon. He wasn’t afraid to break boundaries and do things in his own way, whether that be with his style or his music. Given he lived until 2016, seeing him in color isn’t anything new. However, pictures of him at his youngest were mainly black and white - until now.

This image shows the potential downside of breaking boundaries and doing your own thing. In 1976, the singer was arrested for possession of illegal substances after a performance in Rochester, New York. He wasn’t the only one taken in by the cops - Iggy Pop was as well. Unfortunately, Bowie never performed in the city again after the charges were dropped.

Golden Gate Bridge is still recognizable, even when it’s unfinished

Whether you live in San Francisco or not, the Golden Gate Bridge is something that you’re bound to be familiar with. It’s one of the most iconic structures in the United States. However, it hasn’t been here forever, nor did it just magically show up one day. Construction on the bridge started in 1933 and wasn’t completed until 1937.

One of these colored photos of the past shows the bridge part-way through construction in the 1930s. As you can see, the actual bridge part of this structure is missing, but the iconic towers are there. With these alone, it’s easy to tell what you’re looking at, even though Golden Gate Bridge was far from completed here.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech is one of the biggest ever made

History is full of incredible speeches that have inspired the hearts and minds of millions and shaped the future. Is there any speech more noteworthy than the one that Martin Luther King Jr. gave in 1963, though? He gave this speech to over 250,000 civil rights supporters in Washington, D.C., but his words reached so many more people.

King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech was apparently ranked the top American speech of the 1900s, with many calling it the greatest of all time. Unfortunately, all of these years later, his words haven’t entirely shaped the US into the nation he wanted it to be. However, there’s no denying that King’s speech has had a positive impact.

Albert Einstein was an incredible physicist, but he didn’t spend all his time working

A huge chunk of how we understand the world is the result of Albert Einstein’s genius. The theoretical physicist was one of the greatest minds that this world has ever seen, and it’s because of him that we have the theory of relativity. Most may think of him for his formula E=mc², but that only scratches the surface.

With Einstein being so well-known for his scientific contributions, most people are accustomed to seeing him dressed smartly in professional settings. So, this image of him on the beach at Nassau Point, Long Island, will already be a surprise for some. Seeing it in color - it was taken in 1939 - just makes it even more surprising.

The news of the Titanic disaster caused shockwaves around the world

Given the immense popularity of James Cameron’s epic romantic disaster film ‘Titanic,’ you’d be forgiven for thinking the ship crash was nothing more than a work of fiction. However, the Titanic was a real vessel that sank in 1912 after striking an iceberg. More than half of the ship’s passengers and crew passed away in the tragedy.

The impact of the crash hit civilians hard in the 1900s, and there wasn’t social media back then to spread the word. Millions snapped up newspapers to read about the disaster that had befallen what was meant to be an incredible ship. This photo gives you a glimpse of that, with the color breathing more life into the moment.

Constructing the Empire State Building took a lot of bravery

The Empire State Building is another of the United States’ most historic landmarks. However, as with everything else, it didn’t simply grow out of the ground overnight. It took a little over a year for the building to come together, which is surprisingly quick considering it’s one of the tallest structures in the entire world.

It’s even more impressive, given that it was made over 90 years ago now. Not only did workers not have the tools and technology available to them nowadays, but they also didn’t have certain safety measures in place. It took a lot of bravery for these men to work on this building, knowing that it was a long way down.

Alfred Hitchcock could be imposing, both in black and white and in color

Alfred Hitchcock is responsible for some of the greatest and most influential movies in cinematic history. His films include the psychological horror ‘Psycho,’ the mystery thriller ‘Rear Window,’ and the noir thriller ‘Vertigo.’ Hitchcock also gave us the natural horror thriller movie ‘The Birds,’ from which this picture was taken during filming in the 1960s.

Although ‘The Birds’ was actually filmed in color - despite how some may remember it - not all pictures taken at the time were. This is one such example. Some may say that the color in this shot potentially makes it less ominous than the original. However, there’s no denying the director’s imposing presence, no matter what color he’s in.

Myra Hindley was once referred to as “the most evil woman in Britain”

History is full of criminals, some far eviler than others. Someone who leaned much more toward the latter during her lifetime was Myra Hindley. She formed one half of an English couple who claimed the lives of five children in the 1960s. Upon her arrest, the media referred to her as “the most evil woman in Britain.”

We can’t say there are many who have ever challenged Hindley for her title. On top of ending the lives of victims reportedly aged between 10 and 17, she and her partner - Ian Duncan Stewart - also allegedly assaulted most of them. The pair received life sentences after their crimes were discovered, with Hindley passing away in 2002 aged 60.

Al Capone was one of America’s biggest gangsters until he got caught for tax evasion

There aren’t many gangsters in history who have made quite the impact that Al Capone did during his lifetime. He spent years as a crime boss and frequently managed to avoid jail, despite his long-term involvement in organized crime. However, he couldn’t escape prison forever and was ultimately caught in 1930, albeit not for what you might expect.

The cops ended up getting Capone on tax evasion with the revelation from a lawyer that he’d been making six-figure sums that he hadn’t paid taxes on. The gangster was ultimately charged with income tax evasion in 1931, a move that saw him lose his role as a crime boss. Losing the job didn’t take away Capone’s legacy, though.

The Great Depression left many skilled people out of a job

The Great Depression had a significant impact on most people in the United States. Many found themselves without a job and desperate to earn a bit of money. In plenty of cases, it didn’t matter how experienced someone was because that wasn’t enough to guarantee them work. This picture is proof of that, as you can see from his sign.

Despite knowing three trades, being multilingual, and a veteran, he’d been out of work for months. Unfortunately, this was the reality faced by many others just like him. Having this be one of our colorized photos of the past is a reminder that issues like this aren’t necessarily behind us all. Plenty of people nowadays can probably relate to this.

Smoke helmets made London firefighters in the early 1900s look terrifying

It’s incredible to see how certain things have changed over the years. The development of technology and equipment has meant that doing various tasks is easier than before. For one, it means that firefighters in London no longer look quite so terrifying when they go to deal with a blaze. This was apparently a smoke helmet from 1908.

If you were trapped in a fire and someone approached you looking like this, you might not feel particularly reassured. However, a century ago, this was all that firefighters had to keep them from succumbing to the smoke while dealing with a fire. At least it looks a little less menacing in color than in black and white.

Fire trucks in the early 1900s relied on horses rather than motor engines

It’s not just the attire that’s changed for firefighters over the years. While they might have large red trucks packed with equipment and a blaring siren nowadays, things were different 100 years ago. This photo was reportedly taken sometime before 1910 and shows what a New York fire truck looked like before they got a big upgrade.

Back then, firefighters relied on horses to get them to the scene of a fire quickly. Thankfully, these animals could go fast when need be, especially as that’s what they were trained to do. As long as nothing spooked them en route, they could typically get firefighters to their destination before the blaze caused too much destruction.

The Great Depression left millions homeless and living in “Hoovervilles” across the US

The Great Depression did more than leave people out of a job. With so many unable to work and pay their bills, a lot of them ended up on the streets. There was such a significant increase in homelessness that shanty towns - known as “Hoovervilles” - cropped up all over the US. This was one made in Central Park in 1933.

After this photo was taken, many more crudely-constructed houses likely joined the ones that were already here. After all, there were millions of people who couldn’t afford to pay their rent or mortgage and needed somewhere to live. Seeing historical photos in color like this one really helps the reality of their situation to sink in.

Lou Gherig was a sensational baseball until a neurodegenerative disease ended his career

The US is a sports-loving nation, and there are some sports that stand out more than others. Baseball is one of the most beloved pastimes here and has been for many years. Plenty of big names have come and gone in the sport, but one that will always be remembered for his prowess is Lou Gherig.

The man was a sensational hitter with amazing durability who had a batting average of .340 in his career. A seven-time All-Star responsible for nearly 500 home runs, he was an absolute joy to watch. Unfortunately, the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - now known as Lou Gherig’s disease - ended Lou’s career and his life in 1939 and 1941, respectively.

Wilbur Wright’s early inventions helped produce the aircrafts we rely on today

If you’re afraid of flying, you should probably be glad that you weren’t around in the early 1900s. Back then, planes didn’t look the way they do now. This was a flying machine created by Wilbur Wright that the aviation pioneer used in 1902. It’s incredibly basic compared to what you see flying around daily in modern times.

It’s great to have colored photos of the past like this one breathe new life into such an important moment in history. It was only one year later that Wright completed the first-ever controlled flight of a heavier-than-air craft. Without developments like this, we wouldn’t have the planes that make it so easy to traverse the world in hours.

Laura Belle Devlin ended her husband’s life in a most brutal way

We know that marriage can be tough, but resorting to the actions of Laura Belle Devlin is never a good idea. In 1947, the woman apparently decided she’d had enough of her 40-year marriage and ended her husband’s life. According to her, she pummeled him with her fists, and once he was gone, she sliced up his body.

When readers learned of what Devlin had done, they were understandably shocked. Not only were her actions horrendous, but the woman was a senior citizen. Fortunately, she didn’t resist when she was arrested. Laura also claimed that her actions were in response to repeated threats from her husband, who allegedly threw a dish at her before she ended his life.

Colored photos of the past reveal that Marie Curie didn’t actually glow green

We have a lot to be thankful to Marie Curie for. The famous physicist and chemist was a pioneer in radioactivity research, with her work helping to propel development in this area forward. Unfortunately, it came at the cost of her life. Initially unaware of how dangerous exposure to radiation could be, she did untold damage to her body.

Curie’s unexpected sacrifice meant that she passed away in 1934, long before color photography was a standard practice. Thankfully, through the expert work of digital professionals, we can now see her the way the world did back in the day. Despite what some people might think, the woman didn’t glow green, even with all that radiation exposure.

Muhammed Ali meeting the Beatles is an iconic moment in any color

In the music world, there are few acts as iconic as the Beatles. Even though they weren’t actually together for an exceptionally long time, their decade in the limelight made them a big deal. Many years later, they’re still remembered fondly, with their music even returning to the top of the charts from time to time.

Just as the Beatles are a legendary music act, Muhammad Ali is one of the biggest names in boxing. He was nicknamed “The Greatest” for a reason, frequently succeeding in heavyweight fights for years. The boxer met with the Beatles in 1964, making for an iconic picture that’s now become one of the best colorized photos of the past.

Olive Oatman received her famous tattoo after being traded as a slave to the Mohave people

Without seeing some of these historical photos in color, certain details would be missed by the average person. For instance, not many would know that the tattoo on Olive Oatman’s face was blue if the picture wasn’t in color. She was given this tattoo by the Mohave people, to whom she and her sister were traded.

This was after her family was attacked by a Native American tribe, who held the siblings hostage as slaves for a year. The rest of the family - except for Olive’s brother - reportedly lost their lives to the tribe during the attack. Four years after becoming part of the Mohave tribe, Oatman returned to American society, still branded with the tattoo.

Jane Fonda was arrested in 1970 as part of an alleged setup by the White House

Jane Fonda has had a long and successful career in Hollywood. However, her time in the spotlight hasn’t always been without its controversy. For instance, there was the time in 1970 when she was arrested for supposedly carrying illegal substances. Fonda wasn’t actually guilty, though, as these substances were just vitamins. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop the arrest.

Supposedly, it was all part of a White House plan to ruin her reputation. Jane’s stance against the Vietnam War meant there was a conflict between her and the president. As a result, she’d apparently been the subject of surveillance from the FBI and CIA for months. Luckily, any attempts to derail Fonda’s career and destroy her reputation didn’t work.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand reportedly passed away minutes after this photo was taken

World War I was a four-year period of conflict that had a considerable impact on Europe and other countries around the world. The US’s involvement didn’t come until quite late, with the United States eventually declaring war on Germany in April 1917. The US might never have had to get involved, though, if one event hadn’t set everything into motion.

We’re referring to the passing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The loss of his life resulted in Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, a move that started the domino effect of countries declaring war on one another. One of these colorized photos of the past was apparently taken just five minutes before Ferdinand’s sudden demise.

You’d never be served lunch on a girder like this anymore

Anyone who’s scared of heights probably couldn’t imagine anywhere worse to have lunch than on a steel girder many feet above the ground. Evidently, though, the people in this photo have no trouble with acrophobia. Those waiters, in particular, seem to have no fear standing there so casually on a girder that we imagine probably wasn’t that still.

This is one of the most incredible historical photos in color purely for how unusual and rare a sight this is. Modern safety measures mean that this sort of thing would never be allowed anymore, so seeing it here offers an excellent glimpse of the past. The picture was reportedly taken in 1930 during the construction of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

Annie Oakley was one of the fiercest shooters in the Wild West

Considering that the Wild West occurred in the latter half of the 19th century, people weren’t exactly walking around taking color photos during this era. So, we’re incredibly lucky that digital trickery can show us how things back then really appeared. That includes portraits like this one of Annie Oakley, one of the most famous women of that time period.

She was famous for her shooting abilities, with her skills being perfected from a young age. She eventually grew up to become a part of Buffalo Bill’s traveling show, with audiences astounded at what she could do with her weapon. Annie was such a success that she apparently became the highest-paid member of the show, bar Bill himself.

New York City was both the same and different back in 1900

There’s reportedly no one alive today who was around in 1900. So, we rely on photos from this time period to reveal what life was like back then, because none of us have memories of it ourselves. Thankfully, although this was the era of black-and-white photography, we do have some colored photos of the past to help us out.

This offers a pretty clear indication of how things were in New York City at the start of the 20th century. Much like modern-day NYC, the place was bustling. However, rather than cars being everywhere, it was mainly just people making the city so crowded. It was only a few years after this photo was taken that the subway opened.

The US was subject to several droughts during the 1930s

The 1930s really wasn’t a great time to be alive. Not only was the Great Depression leaving millions jobless and homeless, but there were also serious issues with drought. This reportedly came in three waves during the 1930s, with the next of these historical photos in color being taken during the second wave in 1936.

The picture shows a family of migrant workers in Blythe, California, having fled from the drought in Oklahoma. The problem was partly caused by a period of unusually dry weather, with some years in the 1930s being the driest in decades. Farming practices of the time reportedly made things worse as did dust storms caused by high winds.

Blanche Barrow was involved with Bonnie and Clyde but made it out alive

Bonnie and Clyde are historical figures that many people are familiar with. The criminal couple was infamous during the Great Depression, robbing stores and banks to keep themselves afloat. However, they weren’t the only ones in their gang. Clyde’s brother, Buck, also accompanied the couple at times, as did his wife, Blanche Barrow, who is pictured here.

Blanche was only with the gang for four months and lost her husband after he was shot by the police. Blanche stayed with him and was consequently arrested, spending six years behind bars for her crimes. When she was later released, Blanche apparently turned away from the criminal lifestyle and enjoyed a quiet life with her new husband.

D-Day was one of the most important days of conflict in World War II

World War II was a longer and more brutal war than the one that came before it. After the war was declared in 1939, it was another six years before the conflict came to an end. The nation’s involvement in it began with Pearl Harbor in 1941, a moment in history that few Americans will ever forget.

Perhaps one of the biggest battles of this war was the Normandy Landings, often referred to as D-Day. This occurred in June 1944 and led to the liberation of France and helped contribute to the eventual victory of the Allied powers. This picture is an overhead shot from that day, and even in color, it’s still incredibly bleak.

Larry King previously faced a grand larceny charge in 1971

In 2021, Larry King passed away after dedicating decades of his life to hosting interviews. Although he could be a controversial figure, there’s no denying that he was good at his job, given he reportedly conducted over 50,000 interviews throughout his career. He achieved that despite once being arrested in 1971 for allegedly committing grand larceny.

Apparently, the arrest occurred after Larry was accused of stealing $5,000 given to him by financier Louis E. Wolfson to pass on to District Attorney Jim Garrison. Wolfson, who was convicted of conspiracy and illegal stock sales, filed a complaint against King regarding this issue. However, the charge was ultimately dismissed because the statute of limitations expired.

Buffalo Bill’s traveling show had a significant impact on the Wild West

When people think of Buffalo Bill nowadays, their minds probably go to one of the antagonists in the 1991 horror film ‘Silence of the Lambs.’ However, before Thomas Harris had even thought up this character, there was another Buffalo Bill capturing the interests of audiences. This was the one who became famous in the Wild West for his traveling show.

Buffalo Bill’s show was notable for several reasons. For one, the performances - although not critically celebrated - often delighted the people watching. Furthermore, Bill hired plenty of Native Americans to be in his shows and encouraged them to bring their families along while traveling. It was a move that greatly contrasted the general feeling towards Natives at the time.

Pablo Escobar passed away as the wealthiest criminal in history

When it comes to famous criminals, Pablo Escobar certainly ranks highly. He reportedly stands as the wealthiest criminal in history, with an alleged net worth of $30 billion when he passed away. When adjusted for inflation, that figure stands at around $70 billion, so there’s no denying that he was highly successful at what he did.

Unfortunately, what he did was deal in illegal substances. Escobar created smuggling routes through South America and was responsible for the infiltration of many substances into the US during the late 20th century. Many people in Colombia actually mourned his loss when he passed away in 1993. To them, Escobar was apparently seen as a Robin Hood figure.

Kids apparently used to lick ice blocks to keep cool before air con existed

Trying to keep cool on a hot day is difficult. Thankfully, air con exists and can make a real difference when temperatures exceed what many people can deal with. However, air con didn’t hit the market until the 1930s, and it was years before they were commonplace items in most homes. How did people cope before then?

Well, it seems that one of these historical photos in color has the answer to that. This image was photographed in July 1912 and shows a group of children licking ice blocks to stay cool. Given how cold ice needs to be to melt, this definitely doesn’t seem like a bad idea. However, it’s probably not ideal for avoiding germs.

Clara Randall tried and failed to deceive the police in the 1920s

It’s amazing the lengths that some people will go to when they need money. Clara Randall is a figure from history who’s the perfect example of that. Back in 1923, this Australian woman apparently went to the police, panicked over the loss of her jewelry. She told the officers that someone had broken into her apartment and stolen them.

However, it seems that Clara wasn’t being entirely honest with the cops. It turns out that the woman had actually pawned her jewels and lied about them being stolen in the hopes of bagging more cash. When the cops learned of her deceit, she was arrested and consequently sentenced to 18 months of light labor.

Lee Harvey Oswald ended the life of John F. Kennedy before passing himself two days later

The passing of President John F. Kennedy is quite a controversial one. Over the years, there have been plenty of theories regarding what happened. However, the official tale of events is that the man lost his life after being shot by Lee Harvey Oswald. The man was a former US Marine who’d previously defected to the Soviet Union.

The loss of Kennedy marked the fourth time that someone had claimed the life of a president, although other unsuccessful attempts have been made over the years. Increased safety measures nowadays mean that such an occurrence is unlikely in this day and age. Two days after his criminal actions, Oswald himself lost his own life when someone else shot him.

Mulberry Street was apparently as bustling in 1900 as it is today

There are few places in Manhattan quite as iconic as Mulberry Street. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was the heart of the borough’s Little Italy district. It’s also one of the most animated parts of Manhattan and seemingly has been for over a century now. Even in 1900, the place was bustling with activity.

The next of these colorized photos of the past was reportedly taken around this period, and it shows a side to Mulberry Street that isn’t necessarily unfamiliar. While the clothes might be different now and the roads filled with vehicles, the heart of this place still beats the same. We suppose that’s New York City for you.

Wyatt Earp was involved in one of the most famous conflicts in the Wild West

The Wild West was full of notable conflicts between outlaws and lawmen. However, easily one of the most famous of these was the fight that went down at O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Although it was a notable conflict, it didn’t actually last that long. It was apparently over in thirty seconds, with three people ultimately losing their lives.

Wyatt Earp wasn’t one of them. In fact, the man was allegedly lucky enough to escape from the fight unharmed, something he apparently had a knack for in the Wild West. Earp is supposedly often considered the central figure of this conflict. However, his brother Virgil was the deputy US marshal and reportedly far more experienced in combat.

People affected by the 1937 Ohio River flood struggled to get help

As if the 1930s weren’t already bad enough, one of these historical photos in color reveals yet another issue that plagued US citizens back then. The people here are all lining up for Red Cross relief in 1937, having experienced devastation due to the Ohio River flood. States affected by this included Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Apparently, one million people were made homeless by this devastating flood, with hundreds also losing their lives. $500 million worth of property damage - which reportedly amounts to over $10 billion today - also occurred because of this. Unfortunately, with everything else going on in the 1930s, resources to aid those who had been affected were incredibly strained.

Rasputin remains one of the most divisive and infamous figures in Russian history

There aren’t many figures in Russian history quite as significant - or divisive - as Grigoria Rasputin. The man claimed to be a mystic and holy man, with his silver tongue helping him to win over many people throughout his life. This included Emperor Nicholas and Empress Alexandra, the heads of the Russian royal family who welcomed him in as a healer.

Over the years, Rasputin earned his share of devotees, but there were always some who considered him a charlatan. This only grew worse during World War I, especially when Emperor Nicholas left to oversee the Russian armies. People ended up blaming Rasputin for all that had gone wrong with the country and repeatedly tried to end his life, eventually succeeding.

Dancing around a sprinkler apparently made for great entertainment in the 1940s

There are more ways to stay cool on a hot day than lick ice. One of these colorized photos of the past shows a group of kids battling the warmer temperatures by playing around a sprinkler. The picture has a very celebratory feel about it, which makes sense given that it was taken in 1946.

At this point, the Second World War was over, and the risks of being out in the open were no longer a major concern. Children were eager to enjoy themselves, and dancing around a sprinkler was seemingly enough to spark some happiness in them. Well, it's not like they had smartphones or video games to occupy their time.

Black cowboys weren't that uncommon during the Wild West

Plenty of people may have a misconceived notion about what cowboys actually looked like in the Wild West. While many might assume that it was only white men who took on this role, that's far from the truth. Apparently, around a quarter of cowboys in those days were black, with the abolition of slavery responsible for this.

With the African American population now responsible for their livelihood, plenty of men reportedly became cowboys because of where they'd worked previously. As many of them had been forced to look after the herds on ranches during the civil war, being a cowboy seemed like the logical thing to do. Unfortunately, that seems to get forgotten in historical media.

Plenty of kids took on roles as newsboys when they needed money in the early 1900s

Nowadays, some people only think about getting a job once they reach their 20s. A century ago, though, times were very different. Plenty of families couldn't afford not to have their kids find work as soon as possible. Of course, said kids were limited in what jobs they could actually do, which is why there were a lot of newsboys.

This picture was reportedly taken in 1909, and it shows a group of newsboys, some of whom had been doing their job for nearly a decade at this point. With the internet still decades away from being created, people relied on newspapers to tell them about what was happening in the world. So, these newsboys were pretty essential.

Malcolm X was a controversial human rights figure but one still celebrated by many

History is full of notable human rights activists, with Malcolm X being one of them. He was a spokesman for the Nation of Islam, who was also passionate about black empowerment. His interest in the former came after he was sentenced to a decade in jail for larceny and burglary. He joined the Nation of Islam while behind bars.

Upon his release, he wasted no time establishing himself within the organization. However, by the 1960s, he'd become disillusioned with it and eventually renounced the Nation of Islam. In response, Malcolm reportedly received threats against his life, and it seems these weren't empty words. He passed away in 1965, reportedly at the hands of several Nation members.

Washing the Empire State Building's windows didn't use to be such an easy job

Washing windows isn't typically a very dangerous job. However, most windows aren't hundreds of feet above the ground. Well, not unless you're somewhere like New York City, where there are seemingly skyscrapers everywhere. Structures like the Empire State Building need clean windows too, which means someone has to go up and wash them all down.

That's a lot easier to do now than in 1936 when this picture was taken. Back then, you really did need to be confident with heights and have faith in the few safety measures that were around. It's not hard to see how this guy got the job, given how relaxed he appears to be while hanging so high up.

Robert McGee survived a brutal attack by Native Americans that left him scalped

Relations between the Native Americans and the United States were far from ideal in the Wild West. As a result, it wasn't uncommon for there to be a conflict between the two, something that Robert McGee once ended up in the middle of. It happened in 1864 after he'd taken a job with a freight company.

While camping one night, he and his fellow workers were reportedly attacked by 150 Sioux Indians. A grisly massacre ensued, with McGee allegedly receiving numerous wounds. He was also apparently scalped by Chief Little Turtle. Despite everything he went through, Robert survived the encounter and lived many years later, with this photo reportedly taken in 1890.

The New York subway hasn't always been an overcrowded transport system

Getting around New York City is relatively easy, thanks to the subway. However, while this might make traveling simpler, that doesn't mean riding the subway is something that everyone enjoys. With NYC being such a hub of activity, it's not uncommon for platforms and subway cars to be cramped, with barely any room to breathe.

It didn't always used to be like that, though. One of these colorized photos of the past shows a New York subway car circa 1910, where crowding wasn't an issue. All of the passengers have somewhere to sit down, which makes a remarkable change from what we're used to nowadays. Still, the city's population was significantly smaller back then.

Mark Twain will always be one of the nation's greatest novelists

We often look to the past when discussing the world's literary greats because so many of them came before our time. One of the most notable was Mark Twain, pictured here in one of these colored photos of the past. The man was once called "the father of American literature," and we can understand why.

The most famous of Twain's works were the novels 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' The latter often falls into the category of the "Great American Novel" because of how it embodies the nation's essence. Mark continues to be an inspiration to many aspiring novelists hoping to create something as remarkable as his work.

Ellis Island has seen millions of immigrants arrive in search of the American dream

Is it really much of a surprise that the population of New York City is reportedly just shy of 8.5 million? Nowadays, many people come here because they're attracted by things like Broadway and big business. However, NYC's popularity has increased for decades, with the city attracting many immigrants through Ellis Island ever since the late 1800s.

From the 1890s to the 1950s, nearly 12 million people reportedly came to Ellis Island with the hope of living the American dream. Plenty of them remained in New York, believing that this was the place where dreams could come true. Given that it's the home of the Statue of Liberty, it's not hard to see why.

The Manhattan Bridge came about due to the popularity of the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is another of this nation's most notable structures, and it wasn't a quick build by any means. The New York State Senate reportedly passed a bill allowing the bridge's construction in 1867, but it wasn't until 1883 that the bridge actually opened. Once it was complete, though, it became the first fixed crossing over the East River.

The popularity of the bridge prompted demand for other crossings across the East River. That's how the Manhattan Bridge came to be, which reportedly required eight years of construction to be completed. When this colorized photo was taken in 1908, there was still over a year of work left before this bridge would open to the public.

Jackie Robinson's inclusion in Major League Baseball was a monumental moment for the sport 

Of all the baseball players who have come and gone over the years, Jackie Robinson is one that definitely deserves to be remembered. In the 1940s, he became the first black baseball player since the 1880s to play in Major League Baseball. Although he wasn't the greatest black talent at the time, his signing was monumental.

Robinson was with the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956, during which time he became a six-time All-Star. He received the MLB Rookie of the Year award in '47 and the MVP award in '49. That same year, he was also named the league's batting champion. He now sits in the Baseball Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 1962.

Queen Victoria has one of the longest reigns of any monarch in history

The United Kingdom has seen many kings and queens over the years. However, a few stand out far more than the others. Queen Victoria is definitely one of them, with her reign of 63 plus years outlasting every British monarch who came before her. Only Queen Elizabeth II managed to surpass her when she later took to the throne.

In power for much of the 19th century, Queen Victoria didn't live in a time when color photography was prevalent. The only images we had of the monarch in color were pictures that had been painted of her. However, these were never quite as authentic as actual photographs of her. So, we're glad that this image has been colorized.

Lewis Powell was a co-conspirator of John Wilkes Booth but failed in his mission

The first time we lost a president through violent means was in 1865 when John Wilkes Booth ended the life of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's passing was actually part of a larger plot to revive the Confederate, with several men targeted by a group of conspirators. One of those men was the Secretary of State William H. Seward.

Lewis Powell was the man tasked with taking him out, but his efforts weren't successful. He reportedly arrived at Seward's house claiming to have medicine for the man who'd been injured in a carriage accident. However, Seward's family didn't believe the man's story and put up a fight, eventually leading to Powell's arrest. He was ultimately hanged for his crimes.

Soup kitchens were a lifesaver for the unemployed masses during the Great Depression

With the Great Depression looming over the US, money was basically non-existent for much of the population. The situation was so dire that many people couldn't afford to eat, so they relied on whatever was available for free. Luckily, there were soup kitchens around to help those who were hungry and couldn't afford to buy food themselves.

This was one of them, and as you can see, the demand for something to eat was incredibly high. This was just a fraction of the unemployed masses looking to source enough food to keep their energy supplies up for the day. Given it's such an impactful snapshot of life in the 1930s, it deserves to be updated with color.

Geronimo was one of the most famous Native American leaders in the Wild West

Of all the Native American leaders in the Wild West, Geronimo is one of the most famous. He was from the Bedonkohe band of the Ndendahe Apache people and made life very difficult for the US military over the years. He frequently led raids against the US in response to the restrictions on the Native way of life.

Geronimo certainly wasn't a man to stay still, escaping from the reservations repeatedly so his people could continue living the way they wanted to. He always ended up back in the hands of the US, though, who reportedly put the Native American leader on display at various fairs and exhibitions. He passed away in 1909 as a prisoner of war.

60 years ago, people had strong feelings regarding race mixing in schools

Equality is something that many people have been striving for their entire lives. Unfortunately, there's still a long way to go to truly achieve this. However, we can at least appreciate that things are different from how they were in the 1950s when protests like this weren't uncommon. This photograph was taken in 1959 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The protestors were fighting about the integration of other races into schools. It's the kind of argument you usually don't see much of nowadays, but 60 years ago, times were very different. There are still plenty of people out there who identify with the protestors in this photo. However, more than a third of Little Rock's population today is black.

Bandit's Roost was an alley you didn't want to go down in the late 1800s

Mulberry Street has been a hub of activity for a long time. However, just because it can get crowded, that doesn't mean sneaking off down quieter alleyways is always a good idea. After all, one of the alleys in this area is known as Bandit's Roost, thanks to the history of high crime rates down here.

Of course, times are very different from when this photo was taken in the late 1800s. The kind of unsavory characters you'd meet here back then aren't around anymore, although they live on forever in this photo. While the black-and-white quality better reflects the sinister nature of Bandit's Roost, it's good to see it how it really appeared.

The American Civil War lasted for four years before the United States emerged victorious

Before the US got involved in world wars, it had its own internal conflicts to resolve. The American Civil War broke out in 1861 and lasted for four years as the United States and the Confederacy fought over slavery. One side wanted it to expand into western territories, while the other wished to avoid this and potentially remove it altogether.

Conflict over this had been going on for decades, but it wasn't until Abraham Lincoln became president that it developed into a war. For four years, battles raged, but it was the United States that emerged victorious. This photo of General Robert E. Lee was reportedly taken after he surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia, thus ending the war.

Rosa Parks' defiance to stand up on a bus helped to change the US for the better

It's hard to imagine where the civil rights movement would be right now if it weren't for people like Rosa Parks. All she did to make a name for herself was sit down on a bus. However, in the 1950s, such a move was monumental when there were white people who needed somewhere to sit.

Rosa's refusal to vacate her seat for a white passenger resulted in her being arrested. This was the mugshot taken after that pivotal moment in history, and you can see the defiance in her eyes. Given that her actions helped to shape the US for the better, this image deserves to be one of our colorized historical photos.

Frat boys in the early 1900s looked very different from how they do now

When you think about frat boys, what sort of image do you conjure up in your mind? We expect that it probably isn't what you see here, but these two apparently were frat boys back in the day. Fraternities have been around since the 1700s, so more recent stereotypes aren't necessarily reflective of their entire history.

The next of these historical photos in color was reportedly taken sometime around 1910. These two men were apparently part of a fraternity at the University of Illinois, although they may well look like average students of the time. There certainly isn't anything to suggest they enjoy the party lifestyle as many modern frat boys do.

Belle Gunness was a serial criminal with potentially as many as 40 victims

The US has seen plenty of horrific serial criminals over the years, many of whom have been men. However, there have been some women amongst them, including Belle Gunness. Over more than two decades, she reportedly ended the lives of 14 people, although some speculate that she had as many as 40 victims around Illinois and Indiana.

It seems that Gunness focused her attention on men who she allegedly lured to her farm through personal ads. She reportedly attracted them with the prospect of marriage, but that's not what they received when they showed up. Belle ultimately passed away in a fire in 1908, although many believe that the criminal actually faked her passing.

Abraham Lincoln is widely considered one of the nation's most influential presidents

Given the differences of opinion regarding politics, the presidents that people remember fondly tend to differ from person to person. However, Abraham Lincoln is one of those leaders who's largely celebrated by the American people nowadays. His role in abolishing slavery and delivering influential speeches like the Gettysburg Address played a major role in shaping the United States.

Lincoln was in office during the 1860s, so he wasn't ever the subject of color photos during his time as president. However, this colorized photo shows us how he looked back then without a black-and-white filter. The image was snapped in 1862 during the American Civil War. Allan Pinkerton and Major General John A. McClernand are with him.

The Battle of Saipan was a brutal conflict that affected many Japanese civilians

One of the biggest battles between the US and Japan in World War II was the Battle of Saipan in 1944. It lasted for several weeks between June and July of that year, with the American forces ultimately emerging victorious. It's often considered to be the Pacific equivalent of D-Day, which proved hugely influential for the Allied forces in Europe.

With Saipan reportedly home to at least 25,000 Japanese civilians, many of these suffered during the conflict. Towards the end of the battle, more than 1,000 of them reportedly chose to end their lives, with many jumping off cliffs that have now become historic landmarks. Others did what they could to survive for themselves and their families.

Ellis Island has welcomed diverse people from all over the world

With the prospect of New York City and the US as a whole posing a chance for a fresh start, many traveled to Ellis Island. The people who made the journey were incredibly diverse, with people from all walks of life making the journey to the US. They believed in the American Dream that was so widely publicized.

These historical photos in color showcase just how diverse the people traveling to Ellis Island were. The man on the far left was reportedly from India, while the man next to him was likely from Germany. It's unclear where the first woman originated from, although it was potentially Ukraine, while the woman on the right was probably from Guadeloupe.

Charles Darwin is potentially one of history's most controversial figures

To some, Charles Darwin is a brilliant man who made a breakthrough in understanding human history. To others, he's a controversial figure whose ideas on evolution contrast with their view of the past. People have opposed his ideas since the 1800s and continue to refute his scientific claims, despite many considering his concept to be fundamental to science.

Although his work has been controversial, Darwin was apparently a man who sought to avoid controversy where possible. He allegedly kept certain views to himself at times through fear of how the public might react to them. Nevertheless, that didn't stop him from making the breakthrough with evolution that has shaped the understanding of human history to this day.

Różyczka Goždziewska was apparently the youngest nurse in the Warsaw Uprising

In times of need, it's important for people to band together to try and help out. That's especially the case in times of war when a country's future may depend on the power of its people. However, there's usually no expectation for children to get involved in this, given their young age. That didn't stop Różyczka Goždziewska, though.

This girl was only eight years old when she became an assistant in the field hospital during the Warsaw Uprising in World War II. She helped bring water to those who were injured, kept flies away, and generally lifted everyone's spirits. She was apparently the youngest nurse in the conflict, and her wonderful smile deserves to be seen in color.

Booker T. Washington was a controversial historical figure but one that still achieved great things

While Booker T. Washington might never have been a president himself, he proved to be a highly essential aide to several leaders of the nation. His work as a leader of the African-American community aimed to improve the situation for black men and women in post-slavery America. Washington himself had been born into slavery in the 1850s.

To some, Booker is a controversial figure in history as his actions didn't always seem reflective of what was best for the black communities in the US. Alleged accommodationism to white supremacy brought significant criticism his way, particularly after his passing in 1915. However, many still celebrate his accomplishments and leadership during his lifetime, which helped push equality forward.

Mary Bell was only a child when she was arrested for ending two people's lives

People tend to believe the best in children and think that they're not capable of the evils that adults can commit. However, that isn't always true. History is full of kids who have crossed the line into very dark territory, including Mary Bell. She was only ten years old when she reportedly took the life of a boy in 1968.

Seeing her mugshot as one of the colorized photos of the past may make her appear more human than what she was accused of. However, the evidence seems to firmly suggest that she was responsible for taking the lives of two children before she was caught. Mary eventually spent 11 years in custody before being released.

Gertrude Käsebier celebrated the Native American people with her photography

While there might have been many conflicts between the United States and the Native Americans, not everyone considered the latter to be the enemy. One person who we know seemed to celebrate them was Buffalo Bill, with his traveling show attracting the attention of a certain photographer. This was Gertrude Käsebier, who reportedly became a friend to many Natives.

Gertrude allegedly once wrote to Buffalo Bill asking him if she could photograph his Native performers in her studio. What followed was apparently years of dedication to capturing the essence of these people in her photographs. Although they were shot in black and white, digital trickery means that they're now some of the best colorized photos of the past.

The Dust Bowl simply made life in the 1930s even more unbearable

The 1930s droughts were all part of the Dust Bowl, a period of severe dust storms that had a major impact on the American prairies. The poor farming practices and lack of water meant that wind erosion of dust and soil was more prevalent. So, when there were periods of high wind during this decade, this stuff was everywhere.

The photo here was reportedly taken in Oklahoma in 1936 and gives a good idea of how bad the situation was. Even though this picture now has color, there's not much to see outside of the child in the foreground. The dust is everywhere, with the ground covered in the stuff and the sky hazy from it blowing around.

Brenda Spencer reportedly terrorized a local school because she didn't like Mondays

It's the sad truth that school conflicts aren't as rare as they should be in the United States. They have got a lot of people talking about certain laws and how they are allowed to happen, especially as they're still a serious issue. What's more, they've been a problem for decades, with Brenda Spencer's crime occurring over 40 years ago.

The then-16-year-old went into San Diego's Grover Cleveland Elementary School one day and reportedly fired 30 rounds. No kids lost their lives but two members of staff did, including the principal. Plus, a group of children were injured, along with a police officer. When asked her reason for committing the crime, Brenda apparently said: “I don't like Mondays.”

Walt Whitman is remembered as one of the most influential poets in history

Poetry is one of those things that you either like or you don't. Understanding it can be tricky sometimes, and it's literature that certainly isn't for everyone. However, whether you're a fan of it or not, you should still be able to appreciate the greats of this art form whose work has stood the test of time.

Walt Whitman is one person considered to be one of history's most influential poets. Considered the father of free verse, his work wasn't without controversy, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. This colorized photo of Whitman was reportedly taken during the 1860s, during which time he wrote 'The Good Gray Poet' and a new edition of ‘Leaves of Grass.’

Sharecropping can be beneficial to tenants but also has extreme disadvantages

One of these historical photos in color showcases a group of black sharecroppers working in Arkansas in 1935. For those unfamiliar with sharecropping, it's an arrangement where a landowner allows tenants to farm on their land in return for a share of the crops. While it can have its benefits, this sort of arrangement also isn't without its risks.

One of the biggest issues is the unpredictability of harvests. If the weather and temperature are unusual for the season, it can impact the growth of the crops. A poor harvest can put tenants in a difficult position, with many consequently becoming indebted to the landowner. Without money to cover the loss, there's not much a person can do.

Neil Armstrong made history as the first man to walk on the moon

1969 was an incredible year for the American people. This was when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon, a remarkable achievement that many never thought possible. Some still don't think it is, believing that the moon landing was a conspiracy by the US government. That's an issue for another day, though.

Black and white photography was still prominent at the time, so the original version of this image wasn't in color. Thankfully, someone's made it into one of these colorized photos of the past so that we can fully appreciate this image of Armstrong before his mission. It's something that we can treasure now that he's no longer with us.

Not getting confused easily was essential when wiring an IBM computer in the 1950s 

How often have you struggled to untangle wires? Whether it's the cables behind your computer or the Christmas lights in your attic, you've probably had this nightmare in the past. However, at least you're not this engineer who had the task of wiring this IBM computer in the 1950s. That mass of wires looks like such a headache.

Fortunately, as a professional, she understood what needed to go where. So, we expect that all of these wires didn't cause the confusion that the average person would struggle with. Imagine if she did make a mistake, though. Trying to find the problem would be even more of an annoyance than trying to untangle those Christmas lights.

Calamity Jane was apparently a compassionate figure in America's Wild West

It wasn't just men who made their mark on the Wild West. Plenty of women stood out in this era, too, including Calamity Jane. One of the best shots of the time, she brought her skills to Buffalo Bill's traveling show during her later years. However, this wasn't what made her one of the most notable people of this era.

Instead, it was the alleged compassion that she had for others. Whenever she came across those who were sick and needy, she reportedly did what she could to help them. Although she was something of a daredevil, her adventurous spirit and fierce aim seemingly never overcame her desire to help others. That reportedly stayed with Jane until the end.

A crowded beach is something that's apparently been problematic for centuries

A day at the beach is something that people have considered an enjoyable pastime for centuries. When the weather is nice, and the coast isn't far away, a few hours on the sand is a great way to pass the time. The only issue is that many people feel the same way, resulting in crowded beaches like this.

If you've gone to the coast and been dismayed by the number of people there, just know it's not a new thing. This photograph was reportedly taken in Atlantic City as far back as 1908. Being one of our historical photos in color, you could potentially mistake it for a modern-day scene if it weren't for the unusual attire.

The Great Famine significantly affected Ireland's population through emigration and loss of life

While the 1930s were a particularly troublesome time for Americans, the 1840s were a similarly devastating time for the Irish. This was when the Irish Potato Famine occurred, a social crisis that affected the country of Ireland for years. Around a million people passed away during this period, while another million apparently left the country.

The loss of so many people reportedly saw the country's population decline by up to a quarter. It was all down to a potato blight that destroyed crops and left the Irish people without much to eat at all. The two people pictured here in one of these colorized photos of the past were apparently survivors of that famine.

Without Nikola Tesla, who knows where our technological advancements would be today

It's hard to imagine a world without electricity. So many of the advancements that we've made over the years have been down to this energy source. Without it, our many developments would be set back decades. For that reason, we are incredibly grateful to Nikola Tesla, who contributed to the design of the modern AC electricity supply system.

His rivalry with Thomas Edison seemingly brought out the best in him, and together, the geniuses helped shape the world into what it is today. Here, we see the man as he was in 1893, the same year that he demonstrated AC electricity at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. We can understand why he looks so proud.

Even 100 years ago, people were still crashing their cars

This is a photo from 1921, but it's a scene that's still highly relatable to this day. Car accidents happen all the time, sometimes because of the fault of a driver and other times because of sheer dumb luck. While vehicles might not look like this anymore, the state of the car certainly isn't anything out of the ordinary.

It's unclear exactly what happened to this vehicle in Washington, D.C., for it to end up in this position. However, we're glad to see it in clearer detail as one of these colorized photos of the past. It makes the scene feel more modern, even if you rarely see cars like this on the road anymore.

"Dolly" Oesterreich kept her lover hidden in her attic for nearly a decade

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, affairs aren't that uncommon. Up to a quarter of married men supposedly have them, while 15% of women do. However, we can't imagine there are many people who hide their lovers in their homes for nearly a decade. That's precisely what Walburga "Dolly" Oesterreich allegedly did during her affair, though.

The woman was apparently married to a wealthy textile manufacturer but embarked on an affair with a sewing machine repairman who worked for her husband. Eager to avoid prying eyes, Oesterreich reportedly moved her lover into their attic. He stayed hidden until 1922, when he shot the woman's husband after hearing an argument and believing "Dolly" to be in danger.

Iron White Man was one of the performers Gertrude Käsebier photographed for her collection

Throughout the course of his traveling show, Buffalo Bill hired many Native Americans to become performers. Evidently, plenty of Natives saw the appeal of this because Bill racked up quite a cast over the years. Iron White Man was one such performer, with Gertrude Käsebier taking this photo as part of her celebration of the Native people.

Having this be another of the colorized photos of the past allows us to better appreciate the way that some Natives dressed and decorated themselves. All tribes have different styles, and Iron White Man's presentation is reflective of his identity as a Sioux Indian. This was something that Gertrude wanted to celebrate with her photo collection.

Wartime must be confusing for any child to deal with

War is a terrible thing for any person to be a part of. However, it can be particularly terrifying if you're a child who doesn't understand what's going on. Having to flee underground at the drop of a hat because your life might depend on it isn't easy to get your head around. Unfortunately, that's the reality of war.

This image was taken in January 1945, months before World War II finally came to an end. This kid had no idea that the end was in sight at this point, though, and was likely terrified about having to sleep in an underground tunnel while bombs rained down overhead. At least seeing this picture in color adds some warmth.

Walt Disney allegedly stole Mickey Mouse from someone working for his company

With Disney being one of the biggest entities in the world at this point, it’s hard to imagine life without it. However, it wouldn’t be the mass media conglomerate that it is today if it weren’t for Walt Disney being the pioneer behind it. His early work in the 20th century allowed Disney to reach its full potential.

Of course, the creative genius behind Disney wasn’t without controversy during his lifetime. This included him allegedly stealing Mickey Mouse from Ub Iwerks, who worked at Disney. When Ub reportedly felt that his involvement in the character’s creation was overlooked, he left the company while Walt continued to market the mouse as his own work.

Helen Keller far exceeded expectations as a deaf and blind woman

To call Helen Keller an inspiration is an understatement. The woman was a marvel whose achievements continue to prove that people can achieve anything they set their minds to. She was left deaf and blind after falling ill at a very young age, yet she still managed to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe College.

Keller became the first person ever to achieve such a feat with these disabilities and only continued to go on and do amazing things. She wrote more than a dozen books, became a passionate advocate for various causes, and worked for the American Foundation for the Blind. It’s only right that someone so incredible be showcased in splendid color.

Anne Frank’s father, Otto, revisited the attic where he’d hidden with his family during the war

The story of Anne Frank is something that most people are familiar with, whether they’ve read her diary or not. She and her family were forced to hide during World War II as a result of the German persecution of Jewish people. Sadly, the family was discovered before the end of the war, with Anne consequently passing away.

Come 1945, Otto Frank - her father - was the only surviving member of the family left. This photo was taken of him in 1960, visiting the attic where he and his family had hoped to stay hidden from the world. It’s an incredibly somber picture, with the colorization doing nothing to taint that atmosphere by keeping the colors bleak.

The Harlem Hellfighters brought some semblance of equality to the US Forces

Slavery might have been abolished in the 1860s, but that doesn’t mean African Americans were suddenly made welcome by everyone in the US after it happened. It took decades for these men and women to start gaining more rights for themselves, with World War I apparently bringing about a positive change. This image is proof of that.

The next of these historical photos in color showcases the Harlem Hellfighters, who were the 369th Infantry Regiment of the United States. Their numbers consisted primarily of African Americans, although men from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Liberia, and similar countries were also apparently included. They were one of the first African American regiments to ever serve with the US Forces.

Painting propaganda posters wasn’t always an easy job during World War II

Everyone had a role they could play during World War II. Although it was the men who were being sent to the frontlines, the women served many important jobs back too. This included working as mechanics, air raid wardens, and so much more. They also helped with propaganda, which is what this next picture shows.

While painting posters might not have seemed like the most important job, it still helped with the war effort. Plus, trying to create a bunch of identical posters by hand wasn’t always the easiest thing to do. They didn’t have computers and printers back then that they could use to get the job done in a matter of minutes.

Caril Ann Fugate set a record that no one should be proud of

Of all the records that people have achieved over the years, Caril Ann Fugate’s isn’t really one to be proud of. She became the youngest female in US history to ever be tried and convicted for ending someone’s life in the first degree. She was the accomplice of Charles Starkweather, who took the lives of 11 people in the ‘50s.

Caril was apparently just 14 when Starkweather committed his crimes. Although she maintained her innocence, Charles claimed that she was responsible for ending the lives of several people. The jury didn’t believe her claims that she was the man’s hostage, and she was reportedly sentenced to 30-50 years in jail. However, she only served 18 after being a model prisoner.

Louis Armstrong and Grace Kelly made an exceptionally talented pairing

Individually, Louis Armstrong and Grace Kelly are two of history’s greats. He was a talented musician who had a significant influence on jazz music, both past and present. She was an Academy Award-winning actress who made a name for herself as one of Alfred Hitchcock’s leading ladies. She also later ditched Hollywood to become the Princess of Monaco.

With these two being such sensational talents, seeing them together is a real treat. It’s even better having this black and white photo from the set of the romantic comedy ‘High Society’ be presented with the color it’s meant to have. This pairing is more than deserving of being immortalized as one of our historical photos in color.

Jennifer Aniston and her dad have both established themselves as actors

We’re so used to seeing Jennifer Aniston as the Hollywood star that she is today that we sometimes forget she wasn’t always this successful actress. Before all the movies and her breakthrough role in the sitcom ‘Friends,’ she was a kid with dreams and aspirations like everyone else. A throwback on her social media page reminded us of that.

Although Aniston posted the picture in sepia, it’s since been colorized to bring the 1970s into the modern day. She’s not the only star in this picture, as her father, John Aniston, is also present. He’s also had a successful history of acting, with the man best known for his role in the daytime drama series ‘Days of Our Lives.’

Germany’s win at the 1954 World Cup was something no one saw coming

Sports like football and baseball might be top dog in the US, but for most of the world, it’s soccer that’s the real standout. So many countries love the sport that every four years, the World Cup becomes one of the most fiercely contested events on the calendar. The competition has certainly produced some memorable moments in the past.

This includes the 1954 final between West Germany and Hungary, often referred to as the “miracle of Bern.” Despite Hungary being the firm favorites to win, West Germany came out on top three goals to two. The match came nearly a decade after the end of World War II and helped to restore some of the country’s reputation.

Hundreds of thousands of women were involved in the war effort in the 1940s

Not every woman was forced to stay at home during World War II. In fact, hundreds of thousands of them served in the Armed Forces, with women having their own branches like the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. They were reportedly brought in from 1941 when the realization hit that the US needed all it could get to emerge victorious.

The women in one of these colorized photos of the past were all pilots in the war. Frances Green Kari, Margaret Kirchner, Ann Waldner, and Blanche Osborne Bross were all pictured here during training at Lockbourne Army Air Force base in 1944. While it might have been men on the frontlines, it’s women like this that assured the nation’s victory.

Chief John Smith supposedly lived to be in his 130s in the Wild West

Many people would love to live longer than the average life expectancy. However, without exceptionally clean living and potential advancements in the future, there’s no way to guarantee that. At least we don’t live in the Wild West, where the average lifespan was around 35 years. This was primarily down to unhygienic living conditions and a lack of healthcare.

However, while many might not have lived long lives in those days, that doesn’t mean people didn’t exceed their life expectancy. Some even lived longer than most do nowadays. Chief John Smith was allegedly one such person. The stories go that he was in his 130s when he passed away, although he was likely just under 100 when it happened.

Nannie Doss was a bubbly woman with a sinister streak in the 20th century

A nickname like the “Giggling Granny” probably doesn’t sound that sinister. However, it was a title given to Nannie Doss, who ended the lives of 11 people during the first half of the 1900s. She was given the nickname based on her bubbly demeanor, which contrasted significantly with the brutal ways that she ended the lives of her family.

Doss’ victims reportedly included four husbands, two children, and two grandsons. Despite allegedly being responsible for so many crimes, she was only charged for the passing of her fourth husband in 1954. Doss had seemingly been poisoning the man with the intention of making money from the life insurance policies that she had taken out on him.

Men weren’t the only ones who could deliver large blocks of ice in the early 1900s

It used to be that only men were responsible for delivering the large blocks of ice that people would receive like they would their milk or newspaper. However, as with many things, times changed, and it soon became apparent that women could handle the heavy lifting that such a job required. This was the case by 1918.

Historical photos in color like this one remind us of how far things have come for equality between genders. They also reveal what it used to be like when refrigerators weren’t the norm. Before these came along, people had ice boxes that contained compartments to store such blocks of ice in to keep everything from spoiling.

Audrey Hepburn was a decorated actress who did normal things sometimes

Audrey Hepburn is an icon. During her lifetime, she appeared in some of history’s most iconic films, such as the romantic comedies ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’ Her acting talent earned her numerous awards along with multiple Academy Award nominations. Audrey even became one of the few EGOT winners, something that less than 20 people have managed so far.

The world is so accustomed to only seeing Hepburn on the big screen that photos like this are special. They show a side of the actress that not many people are probably used to. She might only be opening the oven here, but there’s a normality to this action that’s refreshing to see from such a big star.

The Christmas truce of 1914 was a pure and incredible moment in human history

World War I was four years of chaos. The destruction and loss of life that so many countries faced isn’t anything that we’d ever like to go back to. However, amidst all that awfulness was a moment of pure humanity that should never be forgotten. We’re referring to Christmas in 1914, when an unofficial ceasefire was called.

Thousands of British and German troops stopped fighting and celebrated the day, even exchanging gifts and pleasantries with those on the other side. There were even games of soccer as the soldiers forgot for a brief time what they were being made to do. It’s incredible moments like this that deserve to be immortalized as colorized photos of the past.

The Hindenburg disaster put many people off traveling via airship for good

Plenty of people fear getting on a plane because they’re worried that something will happen to it. Even though accidents are rare, it only takes one to put a person off for life. That’s certainly how it was with airships, with the Hindenburg disaster in 1937 destroying many people’s confidence in these vessels for good.

It is admittedly quite difficult to get the view of a giant airship covered in flames out of your head. Now that it’s one of these historical photos in color, we can see what others did back in the ‘30s. It’s quite an imposing sight. 35 people reportedly lost their lives that day in the disaster.

Photos of the American flag don’t get much more iconic than this

Is there any image that features the US flag that’s more iconic than this one? It’s been the best part of a century since the picture was taken, and people continue to see it on a regular basis. Thankfully, although it wasn’t shot in color, it’s now become one of the colorized photos of the past.

The image shows the US Marines of the 28th Regiment of the Fifth Division in 1945. They’re raising the American flag on top of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima in February of that year. The island was the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II, so it’s no wonder this image is so iconic.

Patty Hearst went from being a kidnap victim to a criminal in a year and a half

The story of Patty Hearst is a fascinating one. The granddaughter of an American publishing magnate, she was famously kidnapped in 1974 by the Symbionese Liberation Army. The purpose of the kidnap was reportedly to leverage the political influence of her family to the group’s benefit. They wanted to free arrested SLA members and feed those in need around California.

Patty was eventually found 19 months later. However, by this point, she’d apparently become a fugitive who’d committed serious crimes with the group. Hearst claimed that she’d been assaulted and was threatened into joining the SLA, but she was ultimately convicted of bank robbery. Patty was sentenced to seven years behind bars but was later granted a pardon.

“Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” is iconic enough to be one of our historical photos in color

There aren’t many photos more recognizable than this one. Entitled “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” it shows laborers enjoying a lunch break in 1932. In the image, they’re suspended more than 800 feet above the ground with nothing but this steel beam to keep them from falling. You wouldn’t think that, though, with how casual they all appear.

We’re not sure many people would agree to work in such conditions now when there are so many ways to make things safer. All it takes is one little mistake to go tumbling over the edge. Still, we appreciate that the more relaxed measures of the past have given us such an iconic photo that’s now immortalized in color.